Best Holiday Red Wines to Serve This Season

The holidays are a time of warmth, laughter, and lingering conversations around a table that feels just a little bit magical. At Paloma Vineyard, we believe that the right wine can turn a good holiday gathering into a deeply memorable one. Whether you’re cozying up by the fire or welcoming friends through your front door, choosing a holiday red that resonates with the season adds richness to every moment.

Red wines, with their deep hues and comforting aromatics, often feel like the unofficial wine of cool nights and festive gatherings. This year, elevate your celebrations with selections that embody structure, balance, and that touch of elegance holiday hosts crave.

Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Red Blends: How to Choose

Deciding on what wine can feel a bit like choosing between favorite holiday traditions—each has its own appeal. Here are three options that have lots of upside:

• Merlot offers softness and approachability. With notes of ripe plum, chocolate, and a plush texture, it’s often the first red to feel like a “holiday wine” to guests who don’t typically choose reds.
• Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and structured, with dark fruit, firm tannins, and a hint of spice. It’s the wine that stands up to heartier fare and lingers, perfect for slow conversations after gifts are opened.
• Red Blends capture the best of both worlds. Winemakers artfully combine varietals to create harmony on the palate—think bright acidity meeting plush fruit and a spice‑driven finish.
  
  

For your holiday table, think about your menu, your guests’ preferences, and the mood you want to create. A flight that includes all three offers variety and sparks conversation.

Food and Wine Pairing Ideas for Thanksgiving and Christmas Dinners

Food and wine pairings are where joy meets creativity. Holiday meals—especially Christmas dinners—are an opportunity to explore how structured reds can elevate flavors from roasted herbs to caramelized root vegetables. While this heading mentions Thanksgiving and Christmas, our focus here is on the entire festive season that stretches from late November into the New Year—including gatherings for Hanukkah, Winter Solstice, and other beloved traditions that bring people together over meaningful meals.

Traditional Dishes That Shine with Structured Reds

Picture a Christmas roast with herbs from the garden, or slow‑braised short ribs simmering in a savory jus—structured red wines rise to the occasion beautifully.

• Beef Short Ribs + Cabernet Sauvignon: The wine’s tannins cut through rich protein while its dark fruit complements savory herbs.
• Herb‑Crusted Pork + Red Blends: A versatile pairing that honors both the spice of the dish and the layered complexity of the wine.
• Mushroom‑Forward Stuffing + Merlot: Earthy mushrooms and plush Merlot fruit feel like old friends at the table.

These aren’t just pairings; they’re moments where the wine feels inseparable from the food—and from the memories you’re creating.

Meals That Go with Wine—Seasonal Favorites from the Vineyard Kitchen

At Paloma Vineyard, holiday cooking is a personal affair—shaped by family traditions, seasonal ingredients, and the wines we know and love. Here are a few favorite dishes from our table that pair beautifully with holiday reds:

• Spiced Beet and Goat Cheese Tart: A nod to winter’s bounty; pairs beautifully with a medium‑bodied red blend.
• Roasted Root Vegetables with Balsamic Glaze: Sweet and savory, with gentle acidity that marries well to Merlot.
• Cranberry‑Port Reduction over Duck Breast: A luxurious dish that’s arresting with a structured Cabernet Sauvignon.

These pairings aren’t just recipes—they’re invitations to explore the senses, to laugh, to linger.

Hosting a Holiday Wine Tasting at Home: Tips & Pairing Themes

A holiday wine tasting at home turns tradition on its head in the best way: rather than just pouring bottles at dinner, you curate an experience. Begin with simple, thoughtful planning: set a theme, choose wines that speak to that theme, and serve small bites that enhance—not overwhelm—the wines.

Consider tasting in “mini flights,” where guests compare structure, body, and aromatics. Provide notecards so people can jot down what they’re discovering. Most of all, encourage curiosity—this isn’t a test; it’s a celebration.

Paloma‑Inspired Themes for Intimate or Group Tastings

Here are a few tasting themes inspired by our own vineyards and winemaking philosophy:

• “From Vineyard to Vintage”: Highlight a region's uniqueness by comparing wines of the same varietal and vintage from Spring Mountain AVA. Look to our last journal for details on Spring Mountain AVA. 
• “Spice and Spirit”: Pair reds with bites that incorporate seasonal spice—think dark chocolate with cinnamon or roasted squash with nutmeg. Large formats are great for parties of 6 or more. 
• “Stories in a Glass”: Share the story behind each bottle—the vintage, the harvest, the people who tended the vines. A tasting becomes richer when it feels personal. Don’t know where to start. Our beautiful wooden verticals tell a fabulous story. 



No matter the theme, keep your presentation warm and your pours generous. A holiday tasting should feel like a welcome in your own living room—comfortable, inspiring, and shared with good company.

Pairing Wines for Every Guest: Including Vegetarian Holiday Dishes

One of the joys of the holiday season is gathering people with diverse tastes and traditions. While structured reds are often associated with meat dishes, there’s a whole world of vegetarian options that pair beautifully with the same wines. Thoughtful pairings honor every guest, ensuring the table feels inclusive and abundant.

Elegant Pairings Beyond Meat—Celebrating Diversity at the Table

Here are some vegetarian dishes that shine alongside holiday reds:

• Lentil and Walnut Wellington + Cabernet Sauvignon: Earthy lentils and crunchy walnuts create savory depth that can stand up to a structured red.
• Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Romesco Sauce + Red Blend: The smoky, nutty romesco complements fruit‑forward red blends beautifully.
• Wild Mushroom Risotto + Merlot: Creamy, aromatic, and rich—this pairing feels both luxurious and comforting.



The key is to think in terms of texture and flavor intensity: hearty vegetarian dishes with umami and spice need a wine with enough structure to match. When you approach your menu with this mindset, every guest finds something that makes them feel celebrated.

Bringing It All Together: Wine, Tradition, and the Spirit of the Season

No matter which holidays you celebrate—or how you gather—there’s something timeless about sharing a thoughtfully chosen bottle of wine. At Paloma, we believe the best pairings go beyond food and flavor; they’re about connection, tradition, and the joy of the season. Whether you’re pouring for two or hosting a full house, may your holidays be filled with warmth, generosity, and wines that bring people closer.